Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jun 2015
Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)
Copyright: 2015 Associated Press
Contact: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/submissions/#1
Website: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388

MEDICAL POT INEFFECTIVE ON MANY ILLNESSES, STUDY SAYS

CHICAGO (AP) - Medical marijuana has not been proven to work for many 
illnesses that state laws have approved it for, according to the 
first comprehensive analysis of research on its potential benefits.

The strongest evidence is for chronic pain and for muscle stiffness 
in multiple sclerosis, according to the review, which evaluated 79 
studies involving more than 6,000 patients. Evidence was weak for 
many other conditions, including anxiety, sleep disorders and 
Tourette's syndrome, and the authors recommend more research.

The analysis is among several medical marijuana articles published 
Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. They 
include a small study suggesting that many brand labels for edible 
marijuana products list inaccurate amounts of active ingredients.

The researchers pooled results from studies that tested marijuana 
against placebos, usual care or no treatment. That's the most 
rigorous kind of research, but many studies found no conclusive 
evidence of any benefit. Side effects were common and included 
dizziness, dry mouth and sleepiness. A less extensive research review 
in the journal found similar results.

It's possible medical marijuana could have widespread benefits, but 
strong evidence from high-quality studies is lacking, authors of both 
articles say.

"It's not a wonder drug, but it certainly has some potential," said 
Dr. Robert Wolff, a co-author and researcher with Kleijnen Systematic 
Reviews Ltd., a research company in York, England.

Researchers evaluated 47 brands of medical marijuana products, 
including candy, baked goods and drinks, bought at dispensaries in 
San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle.

Independent laboratory testing for THC, marijuana's leading active 
ingredient, found accurate amounts listed on labels for just 13 of 75 
products. Almost 1 in 4 had higher amounts than labeled, which could 
cause ill effects. Most had lower-than-listed amounts.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom